Parts for your 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero-Drive belt tensioner

1987 Mitsubishi Pajero — does it use a drive-belt tensioner?

For the 1987 Mitsubishi Pajero (first-gen L040 series), a separate, spring-loaded drive-belt tensioner isn’t used. Period factory and aftermarket workshop literature show the accessory belts are tensioned manually by moving the driven components (alternator, power steering pump) and, where fitted, by adjusting a dedicated A/C idler pulley rather than relying on an automatic tensioner unit.

Technical references that document this setup include the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Factory Service Manual for the L040 series (Drive Belts section), the Haynes Mitsubishi Montero/Pajero 1983–1993 Repair Manual (Drive belts: inspection/adjustment), and the Gregory’s Pajero 1983–1991 Manual. These sources describe belt tension being set by loosening the pivot and lock bolts on the accessory, levering the unit to achieve the correct deflection, then tightening the fasteners. The A/C belt uses an adjustable idler with a threaded adjuster screw in many trims. None of these manuals specify a spring-loaded serpentine tensioner for 1987 models.

Why no tensioner? The 1987 Pajero typically runs multiple V-belts (rather than a single serpentine belt), which was standard practice at the time. Each belt drives a particular accessory, and tension is set on the spot during servicing. Automatic tensioners became common later as engines shifted to single serpentine layouts.

What to do instead? Keep an eye on belt condition and tension under the bonnet:

• Look for glazing, cracking, fraying, squeal at start-up, or steering/charging issues.
• Adjust tension via the alternator/power steering brackets or the A/C idler adjuster (if fitted) following the FSM/repair manual specs.
• Recheck after a short drive, as new belts bed in and can slacken slightly.

Note: Some Pajero engines of this era (e.g., 4D55/4D56 diesels) use a timing belt with its own tensioner, but that’s separate from the accessory drive belts discussed here.

• Does a 1987 Pajero have an automatic drive-belt tensioner?
  No. The accessory belts are manually tensioned by adjusting the alternator, power steering pump, and a screw-adjusted A/C idler (where fitted). This layout is confirmed by the Mitsubishi FSM, Haynes, and Gregory’s manuals for the era.
• How do you tension the belts on a 1987 Pajero?
  Loosen the relevant pivot and lock bolts, lever the accessory (or wind the A/C idler adjuster) to reach the specified deflection, then tighten the bolts. Always follow the spec and sequence in the service manual and recheck after a short run.
• How often should the belts be checked or replaced?
  Inspect at every service or around 10,000–15,000 km, and replace if cracked, glazed, noisy, or if adjustment can’t hold proper tension. Belts are inexpensive and keeping them fresh protects charging, cooling, and steering systems.